December 2016

Issue: Volume 1 Issue 12

It has been a turbulent year for financial markets across the world, and the Islamic capital market has been no exception. But over the last 12 months the Sukuk sector has put in an extraordinary performance, with total volumes exceeding US$40 billion

One of the concerns about the Sukuk market can simply be familiarity. “I don’t know this sector, so why should I get involved?” In particular, the Islamic aspect can provide pause for thought if entrants are unfamiliar with the processes needed to

Trade finance is one of the pillars of the global financial markets, and the Islamic industry is no exception. Last month we looked at the growth of Islamic leasing in Turkey, and this week we follow on with further news on the

One of the most positive elements of the Islamic capital market is its focus on developing and encouraging the growth of SMEs and new businesses — a trend that can be seen in myriad ways, from the private sector support schemes of

Islamic financial institutions are set to revamp their governance, risk and compliance practices in order to drive sustainable growth and promote the value proposition of Islamic finance to a wider range of customers. In the latest edition of Deloitte’s Middle East Point

The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Dr Mohammad Al-Hashel, has highlighted the crucial role of a resilient banking system capable of withstanding shocks — especially given the major changes brought by the Basel banking reforms. “This calls for continuously upgrading

Kazakhstan is the new kid on the block of the Islamic finance industry, but the country has big ambitions. With the planned launch of a new high-tech exchange, a new financial court and the introduction of English law, major reforms are also

In December 2016 the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) released its long-awaited Islamic standard on gold, in collaboration with the World Gold Council (WGC) — sparking a surge of activity as institutions and individuals across the world raced

Bahrain recently issued US$1 billion-worth of trust certificates in the global Sukuk market in a bid to plug its widening budget deficit, with response that far exceeded its expectations amid a backdrop of falling commodity prices — showing just how attractive Islamic

CIMB Islamic was once again the leading global Sukuk bookrunner for 2016 (according to Dealogic year-to-date) and has come up top for seven out of the last nine years. The bank arranged 34 deals over the past year worth a total value

News briefs CORPORATE Islamic home financing for prestigious Dubai projects UAE: Marina Arcade has partnered with Emirates Islamic for the provision of home financing packages for the Marina Arcade Tower, a freehold residential development in Dubai Marina. Jumeirah Golf Estates has also